It was clear that Duanmu Ruoshui was very anxious, and Xiao Ying directly led her into the main hall.
"Miss Duanmu, you have arrived at the perfect time; Young Master Wuchen has just emerged," Xiao Ying said politely.
In the main hall, Feng Wuchen was discussing something with Tian Zu and the three elders.
"Miss Duanmu," Tian Zu and Tang Aofeng greeted her courteously.
"Duanmu Ruoshui greets Young Master Wuchen, the protectors, and the three elders," Duanmu Ruoshui bowed respectfully. In front of Feng Wuchen, she dared not show even a trace of arrogance.
Of course, Duanmu Ruoshui naturally had no air of arrogance.
"Miss Duanmu, there shouldnât be many in the Star Soul Realm who would dare injure you, nor many willing to make enemies of the Tian Xu Shrine. Judging by your injuries, it seems to be related to Situ Hao and his group," Feng Wuchen guessed after glancing at her.
"Young Master Wuchen is indeed wise," Duanmu Ruoshui internally admired and said respectfully, "Senior Brother Situ Hao and Ye Ming led many strong practitioners to attack Tian Xu Shrine. My grandfather and the elders were all heavily injured, leaving the shrine greatly weakened."
"What? Greatly weakened?" Tian Zu and Tang Aofengâs expressions changed drastically, showing panic.
"Senior Brother?" Feng Wuchen showed slight surprise.
"Ye Ming is a Divine Emperor-level alchemist, and his cultivation has reached the Seven-Star God Emperor level. In his battle with my grandfather, although grandfather was defeated, he also suffered heavy injuries. It was ultimately due to the Immortal Sword crafted by Young Master Wuchen that they were forced to retreat," Duanmu Ruoshui said.
Tang Aofeng added, "Young Master Wuchen, Ye Ming holds high prestige in the Star Soul Realm, and even a Nine-Star God Emperor level practitioner would respect him."
"That old fellow Ye Ming is exceedingly arrogant. As a Second-order Alchemist, highly sought for alchemy and crafting expertise, many of the top powers in the Star Soul Realm have to treat him with utmost respect," Dugu Yun said respectfully.
Feng Wuchen grinned and said, "No wonder Situ Hao is so arrogant and egotistical. Having such a powerful Divine Emperor-level alchemist on his side, itâs no surprise heâd dare to attack Tian Xu Shrine. The influence of a Divine Emperor-level alchemist is indeed terrifying."
"Thatâs precisely why Ye Ming and his group will surely make a comeback. Ye Ming has close ties with the Xinghun Divine Palace. My grandfather worries that they might intervene, which is why I came to ask for Young Master Wuchenâs help to save Tian Xu Shrine from disaster," Duanmu Ruoshui said respectfully.
"I destroyed the alchemical cultivation of those three. They certainly wonât spare me, and they might aim to deal with Tian Xu Shrine first before targeting me again. Having lost this battle, they may come with even stronger reinforcements next time," Feng Wuchen said with a slight cold smile.
Tian Zuâs expression was grave as he said, "Young Master Wuchen, we must prepare in advance. The Xinghun Divine Palace is the most powerful force in the Star Soul Realm, and its Hall Master is a Nine-Star Divine Emperor powerhouse."
Looking at Duanmu Ruoshui, Feng Wuchen asked, "What does the guild say?"
"Grandpa Gao and the others wonât stand by idly, and it was President Wu who asked me to request Young Master Wuchenâs assistance," Duanmu Ruoshui said respectfully.
"Since the guild is involved, the Xinghun Divine Palace would not dare to act rashly. Ye Ming is severely injured and wonât recover quickly. Though Situ Hao and his group had their abilities crippled, recovery isnât impossible. If quick enough, they could recover within two months; past that, once their soul state completely fades, they will never recover," Feng Wuchen said placidly.
"What? They can recover?" Tang Aofeng and others widened their eyes in disbelief.
Duanmu Ruoshui was also shocked: "Alchemist cultivation crippled, yet they can recover? This..."
Though amazed, Duanmu Ruoshui did not dare to question Feng Wuchen in the slightest.
For she had seen the consequences of doubt before.
"With sufficiently powerful soul strength and potent elixirs, recovery is possible. They wonât act for now; first, they need to heal, and second, to seek methods," Feng Wuchen said with a faint smile.
"Miss Duanmu, please go to the guild and discuss with President Wu and the others, feel out the Xinghun Divine Palaceâs stance, and make the guildâs position clear. This way, it may help restrain the Xinghun Divine Palace," Feng Wuchen said, looking at Duanmu Ruoshui.
Duanmu Ruoshui replied respectfully, "Yes! Thank you, Young Master Wuchen!"
Although Feng Wuchen did not verbally promise, Duanmu Ruoshui received the answer she sought, feeling completely reassured.
As Duanmu Ruoshui was about to leave, a guardian entered the hall, and respectfully said, "Reporting to Young Master Wuchen, the Tian Wu Shrineâs elder requests an audience."
"Elder of the Tian Wu Shrine?" Feng Wuchen showed slight surprise.
"Young Master Wuchen, the elder of the Tian Wu Shrine is a Divine Emperor-level Alchemist, highly accomplished in alchemy and inscriptions, and due to his presence, Tian Wu Shrine is one of the three major powers," Tang Aofeng said respectfully.
"Please invite him in," Feng Wuchen nodded, sensing a strong soul force.
Soon, an elder in a black robe entered the hall, politely cupping his fists, "This old man is Zhai Xingzi, greetings to Young Master Wuchen, Tian Zuâs protector, and the three elders."
"Elder Zhai Xingzi, thereâs no need for formality, please have a seat," Feng Wuchen welcomed politely.
"Elder Zhai Xingzi," Duanmu Ruoshui also greeted respectfully.
"Oh? Miss Duanmu, I didnât expect to see you here," Zhai Xingzi expressed surprise at seeing her.
With an elderly gaze measuring Feng Wuchen, Zhai Xingzi thought to himself, "I canât sense any soul power from this young man, truly extraordinary."
"Elder Zhai Xingzi, what brings you to the Wushuang Shrine today?" Feng Wuchen asked with a mild smile.
"I have long heard of the remarkable elixirs Young Master Wuchen crafts, and the Tian Wu Shrine has purchased quite a few. Frankly, they put my abilities to shame. I come today to seek guidance from Young Master Wuchen, hoping to aid in my own cultivation," Zhai Xingzi said with a flattering smile, being very polite and not daring to show any disrespect.
Upon hearing this, Feng Wuchen smiled and said, "Elder Zhai Xingzi is too modest."
Zhai Xingzi humbly shook his head and said, "To be honest, I canât even refine the lowest grade of Shenxuan Powder, and compared to the quality of the elixirs Young Master Wuchen produces, mine are vastly inferior. Take the Yin Yang Flame Heart Pill, for instance; even the Alchemist Tower cannot produce such high-quality elixirs."
"Iâve been refining elixirs for years, trying everything to improve their quality. Despite numerous requests to study at the Alchemist Tower, Iâve failed to advance. I hope Young Master Wuchen will offer some guidance," Zhai Xingzi continued, kneeling on one knee as he spoke.
"A Divine Emperor-level alchemist kneeling to ask for Young Master Wuchenâs guidance!" Duanmu Ruoshuiâs heart trembled, her face frozen in shock as she looked at Zhai Xingzi.
Tian Zu, Tang Aofeng, and everyone else in the hall were similarly taken aback.
Zhai Xingzi was an esteemed Divine Emperor-level alchemist on par with Ye Ming and Duanmu Zhuiming, yet here he was, kneeling before Feng Wuchen, pleading for guidance!